The Best Online Master’s in Economics Programs

Summary of work: More than 47 hours of research. Every online Master in Economics program in the US analyzed. 23 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 20 of the best programs identified.

A master’s in economics is study that is divided into two primary fields: microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics focuses how individual decisions can affect how individuals and organizations handles wealth. Macroeconomics is more concerned with the national, regional, and global economic markets based on general economic factors, such as interest rates and national productivity. Both are complex fields that require specialized knowledge, which is why many pursue master’s degrees.

Students of a master’s program can expect courses to focus primarily in three core areas—economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics. While there is a range of subjects within the core areas of focus, it is quite common to follow a degree specification. These common specifications can range from international finance to real estate, where as their capstones will primarily focus on the degree specification they choose to follow. In any case, students can feel confident they are receiving the intensive instruction they need to provide insight as economists.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MASTER’S IN ECONOMICS?

Degree holders can work as economists, statisticians, mathematicians, financial advisors, and market research analysts.

CAN I GET A MASTER’S IN ECONOMICS ONLINE?

Yes, many programs offer online degrees. The key is to find an accredited program that suits your specific scheduling needs.

HOW WELL ACCEPTED ARE ONLINE ECONOMICS DEGREES?

Most online degrees are accepted by employers—online degrees are very common and even the most well-respected schools offer them.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A MASTER’S IN ECONOMICS?

A master’s in Economics takes around 2 years to complete, which is the standard length for most graduate programs.

IS A MASTER’S IN ECONOMICS WORTH IT?

An advanced degree often leads to higher salaries and employment rates. In addition, those with economic expertise provide valuable insight that informs critical policies.

As for career stability, there are many roles that a master’s in economics can lead to such as statisticians, mathematicians, financial advisors, and market research analysts. Others often become teachers as well to ensure that future students and professionals have advanced training opportunities. But no matter which path a professional chooses, their voices are necessary for shaping the political and economic policy that affects daily life.

For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.

Best Online Masters in Economics Programs

We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in Economics program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and list of the 20 best online Masters in Economics programs.

Youngstown State University is one of few business schools in the nation to offer a master's in financial economics program. The curriculum includes econometrics and corporate financial management and is designed to give students the skills to become leading financial planners after graduation.

Georgia Southern University caters to students who wish to pursue their economics degree in an online format. This program is available entirely online and can be completed in just two years, making it the ideal choice for busy professionals who must balance their career and school commitments.

West Texas A&M University understands that some students have different needs and career goals; therefore, it provides a few learning options for students in the master's in economics program. Students can learn entirely online or enroll in a blended format in which they attend some classes on campus and experience hands-on training with their peers.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: The Paul and Virginia Engler College of BusinessProgram Name: Master of Science in Finance and EconomicsAccrediting body: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

The University of Missouri provides the best program structure for its master's in economics program. It's available 100 percent online and covers everything from banking to international trade, preparing graduates for careers in data science, economic development, institutional research and more.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts and ScienceProgram Name: Master of Arts in EconomicsAccrediting body: Higher Learning Commission

Purdue University earns a top value ranking because of its commitment to affordable online education for those who join the master's in economics program. Students who enroll in this program are afforded the same faculty that teaches on campus, the option to attend on a full- or part-time basis and the flexibility to earn their degree in just 18 months or as many as five years.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Krannert School of ManagementProgram Name: Master of Science in EconomicsAvailable concentrations: Business Analytics, Financial Economics, Public Economics and Policy, Advanced TheoryAccrediting body: AACSB

Johns Hopkins University is a leader in online education and offers one of the most flexible master's in applied economics programs in the country. Students can choose from three start dates, opt to take some on-campus courses and enroll as full- or part-time students depending on their needs and schedules.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Krieger School of Arts and SciencesProgram Name: Master of Science in Applied EconomicsAvailable concentrations: Financial EconomicsAccrediting body: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Students who want to learn from the best scholars and industry-professionals and develop expert skills and knowledge should consider American University for earning their master's in economics degree. The faculty members are highly accredited and often quoted in top industry journals and news outlets such as CNN and The Los Angeles Times.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts & SciencesProgram Name: Master of Arts in EconomicsAvailable concentrations: Applied EconomicsAccrediting body: Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools

The University of Delaware offers a Master of Arts in Economics and Entrepreneurship for Educators program for teachers who work in the K-12 school system. This program is ideal for teachers who are currently working and can apply what they're learning immediately in their own classrooms.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Alfred Lerner College of Business and EconomicsProgram Name: Master of Science in Economics and Applied EconometricsAccrediting body: AACSB

The University of North Dakota designed its master's in economics program for students who want to pursue careers in economic research. Students learn from courses such as macroeconomic theory and labor economics, developing the skills to succeed as economic researchers in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Business & Public AdministrationProgram Name: M.S. in Applied EconomicsAccrediting body: AACSB

The University of Detroit Mercy provides online students with a quick path to graduation and their master's in economics degree. In just one year, students can complete the program and learn the skills to work as forensic accountants and financial planners in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Liberal Arts & EducationProgram Name: Master of Arts in Economics

Southern New Hampshire University offers a concentration in environmental and natural resources economics in its master's in applied economics program. Students who want to learn the economics behind state and federal environmental policies are prime candidates for this online program.

Northeastern University's online Master of Arts in Economics program includes the option to include a co-op. This option is paid work for six months and enhances the practice portion of the degree, increasing the students' skills for career advancement.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Professional StudiesProgram Name: Master of Science in Commerce and Economic DevelopmentAccrediting body: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

The University of Houston-Victoria offers an online master's in economic development program that's suited for graduate students who want to become successful financial planners for government agencies, consulting firms and corporations. This program also has entrepreneurship courses to give students the skills to start and grow businesses or to help other entrepreneurs succeed financially.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Business AdministrationProgram Name: Master of Science in Economic Development and EntrepreneurshipAccrediting body: AACSB International

SUNY Empire State College offers an innovative master's in economics program that's centered on community and economic development. The curriculum focuses on social finance in community development, giving students a better understanding of the economic differences in underserved areas and how to bring about positive change.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School for Graduate StudiesProgram Name: Master of Arts in Community and Economic DevelopmentAccrediting body: MSCHE

Penn State University offers a comprehensive curriculum as the core part of the Master of Arts in Economics program. It provides a solid foundation in economic theory and prepares students for economics-related careers in academics or financial professions.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Agricultural SciencesProgram Name: Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic DevelopmentAccrediting body: Middle States Association

Western Illinois University offers a hybrid master's in community and economic development program for distance learners. Students will have the freedom to complete coursework online but must also attend some on-campus courses for hands-on experience.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Graduate StudiesProgram Name: Master of Arts in Community and Economic DevelopmentAccrediting body: Higher Learning Commission-North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Xavier University's master's in health economics and clinical outcomes program is perfect for students who want to pursue a career in the health care industry. Graduates are prepared to use data and analysis to understand the trends in health care and to develop solutions to problems in the U.S. health care system.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts and SciencesProgram Name: Master of Science in Health Economics and Clinical Outcomes ResearchAccrediting body: Higher Learning Commission

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago offers a full-time master's in behavioral economics program for online students. This program is ideal for students with a solid foundation in psychology as they delve into topics related to consumer behavior and business applications such as marketing and negotiation.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Professional PsychologyProgram Name: Masters in Behavioral EconomicsAccrediting body: TCSPP

Students looking to advance their careers in international economics can learn the skills in SIU Carbondale's Master of Arts and Master of Science in Economics programs. These programs cover international finance and trade and prepare graduates for leadership careers in various international institutions.

Regent University's online MBA program includes a concentration in economics and prepares graduates for senior-level positions in the industry. The curriculum emphasizes leadership and gives students the skills to succeed in executive financial leadership roles in the public and private sectors.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Business & LeadershipProgram Name: Master of Business AdministrationConcentration: EconomicsAccrediting body: ACBSP, AACSB